Timex’s Ironman One GPS+ lets you send emails without needing to be paired with a phone

IT is not made by Apple or Samsung, but this could be either the smartest smartwatch yet or just a dumb idea to add features where they’re not wanted.

Rod Chester National technology writer

News Corp AustraliaAugust 7, 201412:06pm

IT is not made by Apple or Samsung, but this could be either the smartest smartwatch yet or just a dumb idea to add features where they’re not wanted.

Timex has released an advanced version of its series of running watches which, unlike other smartwatches on the market, lets you send text messages and email without needing to be paired with a smartphone.

The Timex Ironman One GPS+ has a built-in MP3 player, is water resistant up to 50m and can live tweet your performance as you run, swim or cycle.

This is not a watch for those who want their wearable devices to be sleek and small.

But the somewhat chunky watch, which will be sold initially just in the US and Canada, comes with a data plan through a telecommunications company which means you don’t have to carry a phone with you to work as the wireless connectivity link for the watch.

Being a running watch, it has built-in GPS to track distance and pace as you exercise.

Connectivity ... the Timex Ironman One GPS+ has a SOS feature for when you pull a muscle or need help.Source:Supplied

And if you have a mishap on your run, the watch has a SOS feature to send a message to someone with your location and even a predetermined message such as “have pulled a hammy, please come and get me — but first pop some beers in the fridge”.

You can see a first hands-on review of the watch from popular fitness gadget blogger DC Rainmaker

The watch will go on sale in the US for US$399.95. There is no word on when, or if, it will make it to Australian stores.

Not everyone who wants a smartwatch also wants a GPS built in to track their running pace. But a smartwatch with fitness features is in line with Apple’spush with iOS8 to add health-monitoring features into your gadgets.